The CLA Scholarship for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Students in Memory of Edna Yelland encourages and supports students in the attainment of a graduate degree in library or information studies and encourages commitment to the improvement of library services to BIPOC students.
Scholarship Details
- Established in memory of Edna Yelland
- Supports BIPOC students pursuing graduate degrees in library and information studies
- Up to three scholarships are awarded annually
- Each scholarship award is valued at $2,500
- Recipients receive a one-year student membership to the California Library Association
- Recipients are recognized at the California Library Association annual conference
- Encourages careers that improve library services for BIPOC communities in California
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, and permanent resident of California
- Must be enrolled in an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science or Information Studies program
- Must have completed at least one course in the graduate program
- Must intend to work in a California library after graduation
- Must identify with one or more eligible ethnic groups, including African American, Black, African, Native American, First Nations, Indigenous to Central or South America, Asian, Latino, Hispanic, Caribbean American, Middle Eastern, North African, Pacific Islander, Indigenous to Oceania, or South Asian communities
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must be available for a scholarship interview if selected for further consideration
Application Process
- Complete the online scholarship application form
- Submit records of completed master’s-level coursework
- Provide an explanation of your current financial situation and financial need
- Submit information regarding scholarships and financial aid received or anticipated for graduate education
- Provide educational history, including institutions attended, degrees earned, years of attendance, and fields of study
- Submit employment history and descriptions of any library-related experience
- Include information about volunteer and community service experiences
- Provide contact information for two professional references
- Submit an essay of 1,000 words or fewer addressing community service, efforts to address inequities, educational goals, and support for BIPOC communities
- Label supplementary files according to the scholarship’s file-naming requirements and submit all materials by the application deadline
The CLA Scholarship for Black, Indigenous, People of Color Students in Memory of Edna Yelland is funded by CLA’s Edna Yelland Scholarship Fund. Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and will enable CLA to continue supporting BIPOC students and encouraging commitment to the improvement of library services to BIPOC communities in California.
